What Makes You Put Down a Book?

Dan Brown is NOT the worst writer. He is only ONE of the worst writers. But he writes really good travel guides. I wish he would write tour books. He's wasted on fiction.

Megan wrote: "I actually abandoned Casual Vacancy because it was a shitty book, not because it wasn't like Harry Potter. If you read it thinking it was going to be Harry Potter 2.0, you were an idiot."

It was a perfectly dreadful, dreary, dull book. Its' not being Harry Potter had little to do with its drab, depressing and oh so boring-ness.

Marilyn wrote: "Dan Brown is NOT the worst writer. He is only ONE of the worst writers. But he writes really good travel guides. I wish he would write tour books. He's wasted on fiction."
One point: you have this secret it's worth killing for and that secret has been entrusted down the ages to: the most famous names possible, e.g. L. Da Vinci, I. Newton.

Simple, if there is no action or interesting characters in the first 10% of the book, no brainer: back to the shelves. Bad writing speaks for itself. Moving on.

I couldn't finish Parades End by Ford Maddox Ford, which is too bad because I was 450 pages in; basically finished part one, and felt I'd got the feel of it. But then, don't know why, other books pulled my attention, and there it languishes...should pick it up.

I abandoned: Ulysses, LOTR (maybe I finished it, but who can remember). Finished Catch 22, never attempted Atlas Shrugged.

I have not tried any of the contemporaries.

Cole wrote: "Marilyn wrote: "Dan Brown is NOT the worst writer. He is only ONE of the worst writers. But he writes really good travel guides. I wish he would write tour books. He's wasted on fiction."
One point..."

Entrusted to the most famous names ... like ... Dan Brown (the most INTERESTING man in the world). No, really. Ask him. He will tell you :-)

When I find unnecessary vulgarity and profanity within the first ten pages I put it down, never to read again. When the "f" or "mf" is used or very graphic descriptions of sexual acts are used, I stop reading and never read that author again. Call me old-fashioned, a prude, whatever; I just like fiction that entertains in a family friendly format; without the vulgarity often seen in many contemporary novels.

Mary wrote: "When I find unnecessary vulgarity and profanity within the first ten pages I put it down, never to read again. When the "f" or "mf" is used or very graphic descriptions of sexual acts are used, I ..."

Me too. I was in a book club and I refused to read a book because it contained lots of vulgarity. I was told that I "must not read a lot because almost all books have it!" That isn't true, especially if you read a lot of classics.

I realize that in our society today, conversational language is often crude and crass, but when authors "write" in the same vein, it is a complete turn-off to me. I know some people really enjoy seeing the crudeness in books, but to use foul language without any justification is not good writing to me. I'd like to think that most writers have a more sophisticated vocabulary at their disposal. After all, if writers raise the bar of civility, readers will follow suit.

I am embarrassed to admit it but I abandoned Plato's Republic. I just found it too male, and I am NEVER feminist with books, but I was with that one. I love good non fiction that makes me think, and I read many male authors avidly, and I love ancient Greek anything!!! Euripides Rocks!! But that was too much guy stuff for me, taking about their man bits and all. I needed to hear a woman speak. I left it off at about 75 pages. As for the new popular books on your abandoned list, I would never be tempted to start any one of them, which is a different sort of abandonment, I guess. I just have different taste.

It once took me five months to finish a book because I was raised to believe I should. When I got to "The End," I tossed the book across the room and promised myself that I would never suffer to the end again just because I should. So if I'm not hooked in the first few pages, I move on to the next.

Nancy wrote: "It once took me five months to finish a book because I was raised to believe I should. When I got to "The End," I tossed the book across the room and promised myself that I would never suffer to th..."

Kelly wrote: "Marilyn wrote: "Kelly wrote: "See, I would have expected the Bible to be on the list. Christianity is one of the most common religions, and how many people can honestly say they've read the entire ..."

Marilyn, I have read the Bible--many times--but it's not just a book that should be read cover to cover; it is more a reference book and should be read as one. I read it for understanding and clarification of life's situations and for encouragement. But then, I'm a preacher of the Gospel and that would explain why I've read it--in its entirety--several times over.

I must confess that it sometimes takes me a few months to finish a book. One that I wish I wouldn't have kept reading was The Road. I kept thinking "it will get better" - it didn't! I didn't like the writing or the story. The other book is New Moon. I had watched the Twilight movie and the story seemed interesting (although the acting was not great). I only made it through about 1/2 the book and couldn't finish it. I just couldn't relate to the main character.

Joanne wrote: "I must confess that it sometimes takes me a few months to finish a book. One that I wish I wouldn't have kept reading was The Road. I kept thinking "it will get better" - it didn't! I didn't like t..."

Being able to relate to characters or events is usually key in our enjoyment or at least understanding of any literature. One of the authors I will not read on my own (had to read in college) is Toni Morrison. I cannot relate to her characters or the events and I think she over-exaggerates much of what she writes. I have a complete disconnect when it comes to her work.

Somestimes I stick with a book because it seems to have promise and I keep thinking it really IS going to get better. When it doesn't, I get annoyed with the book and the author for wasting my time, like "it" has a mind of its own, or the author was talking to me :-) Maybe I just channel authors.

Mira wrote: "☯Emily wrote: "Mary wrote: "When I find unnecessary vulgarity and profanity within the first ten pages I put it down, never to read again. When the "f" or "mf" is used or very graphic descriptions..."

I agree with you Marilyn, but for those who want the more puritan stories they should stick to childrens books and be sure to stay away from the Bible.

Brian wrote: "Dragon Tattoo was really boring. I finished it, but I found about 15% of it capturing my attention. The story and the main character were potentially engaging, but the writing seemed tedious and of..."

Ward wrote: ""We Need To Talk About Kevin".

But my wife and I couldn't slog through it. A book both loved and despised by readers. And everyone who despises it pretty much does for all the same reasons.

Alt..."
I loved We Need to Talk About Kevin and all The Dragon Tattoo books. Just goes to show, people are different.

Maryam wrote: "What kind of books do you like?"

I enjoy historical romance,Christian romance, suspense, intrigue and most romance novels that don't include vulgar language. Not into erotica at all.

I recently abandoned The Instance of the Fingerpost (twice as long as it needed to be; POV often not clear); never could get into The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, but LOVED the three movies based on the books.

it's interesting to me how many people say they *never* abandon a book, or *always* try to finish a book. I wonder why that is? what is it about a 'book' that makes it different; the fact that you chose it yourself and feel somehow responsible? I wouldn't finish eating something that tasted dreadful to me, or watch a television show or movie if I decided partway through that it wasn't worth wasting my time.

Why are books somehow 'special' in that regard? Not judging, just curious...

By the third page I can tell if I like the authors style. By the end of the first chapter, I can tell if I like the story line. Don't need anymore than that to decide whether to continue or not.

I even finished Elron Hubbard's Dekalogy. The only book I can ever remember decisively saying I wouldn't finish pissed me off on page 52 when the James Bond hard drinking macho spy 1st person narrator casually mentioned he was a zaftig five ft two eyes of blue blonde bimbo. The mental image I had of Sean Connery in her role disturbed me when she seduced her target. I also haven't finished Moby Dick, but I know how that ends so never felt deprived.

I loved "Catch 22", and have re-read it a couple of times. I might have abandoned "Lord of the Rings, but my husband and a friend kept saying, "Wait until you get to Rivendell." They were right - by the time they were at Rivendell, I was completely hooked, and have read the whole series many times. I finished Moby Dick, but would certainly never re-read it. I finished Atlas Shrugged, ven though it was an atrocious book. I tried Ulysses several times before settling down to it, but once I got into it, it was wonderful. As for the pop books, the only one I read was Dragon Tattoo - I read the entire trilogy and enjoyed them. As for the others - no interest.

Laura wrote: "My own personal most abandoned classic is The Sound and the Fury. I tried to read it several times. I would come back to it, perhaps get a bit further and then abandon it. It always made me sad a..."

Get the Cliff Notes and you will enjoy it much more. My high school English teacher advised me to do that when I insisted on a "challenging" read for my independent book!

Not surprised that Fifty Shades of Grey and Girl with the Dragon Tattoo made it to the abandoned list, since I have abandoned books and the books Trilogy counterparts as well .

Fifty Shades of Grey is highly degrading and immoral and disturbing the same goes for the next 2 books in the trilogy .

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo has a severly low start and the story down spirals even before you reached the 100th page .


Both Series and books made a very huge fad in books but ALL books in BOTh series are pure CRAP !!!

Deb wrote: "Could Goodreads create a button or star type thing for abandoned books? I just created a list for when I give up on a book. It cracks me up when I get recommendations based on that shelf."

Good idea! It would also give people a chance to review a little the books too awful -or too heavy, or long - to read through - you could say a few words and not feel guilty about criticising something you did not finish.

Never finished The Alibi Man by Tami Hoag. I have read LOTR and the second book dragged a bit. Ulysses interests me (but I'm a Kate Bush fan). The trouble with books that English exams tell you to read is that you are TOLD to read it. In Scotland people don't like Lewis Grassic Gibbon's Sunset Song trilogy because some teacher forced you to do something you don't want to do.But your average English Lit course is not going to get you to read Sue Grafton, James Patterson and other great authors, but it would be fun.

I've read all but Atlas Shrugged, And only RWNJ's read Ayn Rand's trash. How does she rank as a Classic ?! Who picked these ?!?!?

Teddi wrote: "I've abandoned many books - I am not going to waste my time on something I simply do not like! Losers include those with writing styles that don't appeal to me (Alexander McCall Smith), long descr..."

They filmed the McCall Smith books for BBC TV a few years ago. Didn't like them. Wasn't in tune with 30 stone African women somehow.

Jennifer wrote: "it's interesting to me how many people say they *never* abandon a book, or *always* try to finish a book. I wonder why that is? what is it about a 'book' that makes it different; the fact that you ..."

I almost always finish a movie that I start watching. Of course, I rarely watch movies any more -- much prefer books. I remember walking out on one movie, which was just too violent and disturbing for me. But that's rare. Now I just don't start.

Interesting that I actually couldn't put down 2 of the books on the this list: Eat Pray Love and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. There are very few books I couldn't get myself into. Again, I do think it's timing as sometimes I am in the mood to read something very specific so I guess it just depends. The one book series I would not go back to is the Uglies, that book was just too slow and really had nothing interesting to me.

Actually all stated reason. I discontinue reading if it is boring and content is poor.

As I get most of my books from the library, there is no financial cost involved. This leads me to pick out many books and then abandon them. Mostly occurs to urban fantasy books with a woman on the front holding a weapon and presenting breasts in bustier. Or possibly butt in polished leather. (Worst having both at the same time.)With these books I am after a light entertaining read that wont tax my brain before bed, but many are so bad I just cant, even with my low standards.

Joe wrote: "I have tried to read the King James Bible several times but it seems like the worst book ever written. When people claim 'it's inspired by God' they really insult God's ability as a muse."

The KJV is the finest cautionary example of writing by committee.

Joan wrote: "I may be the only one but I hated The Kite Runner, boring, boring"

I abandoned that one mighty quick. Could not get into it at all.

Gregsamsa wrote: "Joe wrote: "I have tried to read the King James Bible several times but it seems like the worst book ever written. When people claim 'it's inspired by God' they really insult God's ability as a mus..."

I am not religious, but there is some superb writing in it.

I've just managed to read Joseph Conrad's Nostromo. Not recommended, except as a superb sleeping aid. A few pages of that and off I went, day or night.

gabiiescobar wrote: "I used to read every single book I started, until a teacher told me that "life is too short to read a bad book. Put it down, and move on." I never forced myself to finish a book after that."

I'm with you. I used to finish every book, too. Until I read that comment somewhere that your teacher made. Now, if I don't like it, I stop.

Marilyn wrote: "Joe wrote: "I have tried to read the King James Bible several times but it seems like the worst book ever written...." I have read it many times. It isn't a novel, you know...To the best of my understanding, no one has ever claimed God wrote the bible. ..."

The short answer: Many sects claim God "inspired" the Bible; most say He only inspired the original m/ss. What we have now differs from the original m/ss. [See Misquoting Jesus. (not recommended for the faint of faith!)]

People seek something beyond our human POV to give their lives meaning. That is noble and good. The Bible is a somewhat flawed record of one culture and its successors' attempts to achieve transcendence through belief in a particular set of Revelations.

As you say, it isn't a novel. It isn't a collection of short stories, either. It's a compilation of myths, allegories, parables, poems, letters, and other items that defy classification. Beneath all these lies a greater truth, for those who seek it.

H.I.M. wrote: "I agree with you Marilyn, but for those who want the more puritan stories they should stick to childrens books and be sure to stay away from the Bible. ..."

Believe it or not, there is a version of the Bible that proudly states that the publisher has removed every instance of the word 'naked.'

Quando inizio a leggere un libro che ho scelto o mi è stato regalato difficilmente lo abbandono: ogni lettura è esperienza e arricchimento
simonetta

Simo wrote: "Quando inizio a leggere un libro che ho scelto o mi è stato regalato difficilmente lo abbandono: ogni lettura è esperienza e arricchimento
simonetta"

"Non non c'è nessun libro così male che qualcosa di buono non può essere trovato in esso."

I created a list titled "couldn't finish" and that is where I put the books that I didn't like and thus didn't finish.

Early on I had read nothing but good things about "50Shades"' I picked it up in the shop intending to buy, flipped to a random page and in two paras decided it was boring, badly written and surprisingly dull. Maybe my less-than-justified dismissal was correct?

Poetic wrote: "Not surprised that Fifty Shades of Grey and Girl with the Dragon Tattoo made it to the abandoned list, since I have abandoned books and the books Trilogy counterparts as well .

Fifty Sha..."

I'm one of those people that tries not to abandon a book-- but I did forgo the Fifty Shades trilogy, didn't even make it to page 20 of the first book. She writes like she had to go through the dictionary for words, Anastasia is an idiot and I couldn't stand that arrogant ass Christian.

I abandoned Atlas Shrugged. I read Fountainhead in high school for a scholarship program and appreciated it on some level. So I then picked up Atlas Shrugged in my freshman year of college. I was probably about 300 pages in and taking sociology classes when Rand's ideology became repugnant to me and I abandoned it. It still sits on my shelf and haunts me to finish-- I tell myself I will finish it someday. However, I'm a law student now and when I have time to read for fun (almost never), I want to read something enjoyable.

Julian wrote: "Early on I had read nothing but good things about "50Shades"' I picked it up in the shop intending to buy, flipped to a random page and in two paras decided it was boring, badly written and surpris..."

I did the same thing, with the same outcome.

Cole wrote: "Gregsamsa wrote: "Joe wrote: "I have tried to read the King James Bible several times but it seems like the worst book ever written. When people claim 'it's inspired by God' they really insult God'..."
I aggree I am nonreligious but the Bible is readable. The bits that need editing do set my teeth on edge but I had no trouble finishing. Spoiler the end is a real downer.

Mary wrote: "Marilyn, I have read the Bible--many times--but it's not just a book that should be read cover to cover; it is more a reference book and should be read as one. I read it for understanding and clarification of life's situations and for encouragement. But then, I'm a preacher of the Gospel and that would explain why I've read it--in its entirety--several times over.
"

I have read the Bible through many times as well. I used to do a thing my Dad put together where you read the Bible through in a year. However, I always read the New International Version (NIV) not the King James. I do prefer some parts of the Bible in King James, such as the Psalms - they just sound so much more poetic. But for general comprehension the NIV is my preferred translation.